General Description

Body long, slender with long-based dorsal and anal fins continuous with the pointed tail. Mouth large, terminal, upper jaw extending beyond eye; a single feeler-like pelvic fin arising below middle of eye on each side; pectoral fins small; scales minute, smooth, embedded in skin. Body and head a motttled greyish, with prominent blackish spots or blotches; pectoral fins broadly banded or spotted; pelvic fins pale, other fins blackish with a narrow white margin; large individuals almost black. To 1.2 m.

Biology

Rock lings are considered good eating, although they are overfished in some areas along the coast.

Distribution

Southern Australia.

Habitat

Adults found in caves and crevices during the day, juveniles often in seagrass beds, in depths of 1-60 m.

More Information